How to Know When It’s Time to Remove a Tree
Trees are a valuable part of life here in Northwest Ohio. They provide shade during Toledo’s humid summers, block winter winds off the lake, and add beauty to neighborhoods from Old Orchard to Oregon. But even Toledo’s toughest trees can develop hidden problems. And when they do, they can pose real risks to your home, safety, and property.
Whether you live in the city or one of the surrounding suburbs like Sylvania, Ottawa Hills, or Perrysburg, here are the signs that your tree might be silently calling for help, and when it’s time to bring in a professional.
Cracks in the Bark
Start by examining the trunk. If you see deep vertical cracks or large splits in the bark, especially those stretching into the tree’s core, that’s more than just surface damage. It could be a structural failure waiting to happen.
Toledo weather, especially lake-effect winds and heavy ice, can quickly turn those cracks into dangerous break points. If the damage affects a quarter or more of the trunk’s diameter, that tree may not survive the next major storm. Add other issues like a leaning posture or dead limbs, and it’s time to call a tree care expert.
Hollow on the Inside
Sometimes a tree looks perfectly fine from the curb. But tap it, and it sounds like an empty drum. Internal decay is one of the most overlooked dangers, especially in mature trees in areas like South Toledo or the riverfront.
Here’s what to watch for:
- A hollow or echoing trunk when tapped
- Large internal cavities or soft, spongy spots
- Bare, dry, or cracked limbs that break without warning
- Dangling, broken branches (sometimes called “widowmakers”)
- Extensive dieback, especially at the top of the canopy
Mushrooms at the Base? Not a Good Sign.
If you see mushrooms or fungal growth sprouting around the base of a tree, there’s a good chance the tree is rotting from the inside out. That’s not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a sign of root decay.
This is especially common in moist, clay-heavy soils like Sylvania and Maumee. Trees with compromised root systems are much more likely to fall unexpectedly, particularly during one of our sudden summer windstorms.
The Sudden Lean
A tree that’s always leaned slightly may be perfectly stable. But if it starts leaning more or all at once, that’s a major red flag.
Check the soil around the base. Cracked or raised ground could mean the root plate is lifting. A shifting tree can quickly threaten roofs, fences, and utility lines in neighborhoods like Point Place or East Toledo, where trees are often close to houses.
When Bark Starts to Peel
Think of bark as your tree’s skin. If it’s falling off in chunks or revealing soft, pale wood underneath, the tree may struggle to fight disease, decay, or pest damage.
Common warning signs include:
- Bark that peels away in large sections
- Sunken, discolored patches known as cankers
- Leaf loss during the growing season or early fall color
- A thinning canopy, especially at the top or on one side
- Dieback in ash trees, which often starts at the crown (a telltale sign of emerald ash borer damage in the Toledo area)
Pest Activity Is More Than Just a Nuisance
Noticing sawdust at the base of your tree? Tiny holes in the bark? Oozing sap? These may be signs of insect damage.
Borers, carpenter ants, and bark beetles often use weakened trees. In the Toledo region, emerald ash borer infestations have devastated many ash trees recently. Once pests move in, the decline usually speeds up and they can spread to nearby healthy trees if left untreated.
What Happens If You Ignore It
Putting off tree care might save you money now, but the cost of waiting can be far higher. Falling limbs can damage roofs, fences, vehicles, or power lines. The entire tree can sometimes collapse, causing thousands in damage or worse.
There’s also the risk of pest and disease spread. One neglected tree can compromise your entire landscape or your neighbor’s. Proactive care is always safer, and often more affordable, than emergency cleanup.
When to Call Joey Tree
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs or even if something just doesn’t feel right, it’s time to bring in a professional. Joey Tree LLC has proudly served the Greater Toledo area for over 15 years. Our ISA-certified arborist and trained crew offer honest evaluations, expert guidance, and no-pressure service.
We’ll let you know if your tree can be saved, needs trimming, or requires safe removal. Our goal is always to help you make the most informed, cost-effective decision possible.
Don’t wait until the next storm decides for you. Whether you’re in Toledo, Oregon, Maumee, or Sylvania, we’re just a call away.
